How is the audio quality, compared with Focusrite gear in the same price range (e.g., Scarlett 2i2)?
7972
I would rather have a 2i2 based on the audio quality but the Akai EIE has additional features to justify its price. That being said I would rather have any Scarlett over the EIE.Focusrite's claim to fame is the quality of their converters. All of the Scarletts have the same converters, but the rest of the audio path gets better as you look at more expensive models. If you want really good audio quality for the money buy the 2i2. If you want better audio quality buy a more expensive model such as the Scarlett 18i20.
7973
I would rather have a 2i2 based on the audio quality but the Akai EIE has additional features to justify its price. That being said I would rather have any Scarlett over the EIE. Focusrite's claim to fame is the quality of their converters. All of the Scarletts have the same converters, but the rest of the audio path gets better as you look at more expensive models. If you want really good audio quality for the money buy the 2i2. If you want better audio quality buy a more expensive model such as the Scarlett 18i20.
476823
I believe in keeping it simple. If it has a mic input, you can't go wrong. I shoot with a Nikon and the audio quality of my videos is great. As the saying goes: "I never leave home without it!"
1067229
btw after writing my last comment i went to www.macspeech.com and checked out their headsets and some of them look really good. pricey though i'd stick with the usb microphones and pic one from their page and go for it
51985
It depends on what you're going to be recording. If you plan on, in the future, needing more than 4 mic inputs (for say, a drumset), you're going to want that ADAT input. Focusrite sells other products like the Scarlett 18i20 and the Saffire Octopre that have 8 mic preamps and an optical output so you can mic up larger ensembles while still only going through one interface. The great thing about going that route is that it's already mapped out through the 18i8 so you can edit each channel separately in your DAW, unlike recording the drumset through an analog mixer and then outputting from that mixer into your interface and only having two channels (left and right) to edit in your DAW. It depends on what you're going to be recording. If you plan on, in the future, needing more than 4 mic inputs (for say, a drumset), you're going to want that ADAT input. Focusrite sells other products like the Scarlett 18i20 and the Saffire Octopre that have 8 mic preamps and an optical output so you can mic up larger ensembles while still only going through one interface. The great thing about going that route is that it's already mapped out through the 18i8 so you can edit each channel separately in your DAW, unlike recording the drumset through an analog mixer and then outputting from... » Read More It depends on what you're going to be recording. If you plan on, in the future, needing more than 4 mic inputs (for say, a drumset), you're going to want that ADAT input. Focusrite sells other products like the Scarlett 18i20 and the Saffire Octopre that have 8 mic preamps and an optical output so you can mic up larger ensembles while still only going through one interface. The great thing about going that route is that it's already mapped out through the 18i8 so you can edit each channel separately in your DAW, unlike recording the drumset through an analog mixer and then outputting from that mixer into your interface and only having two channels (left and right) to edit in your DAW. « Show Less
1592121
I'm running Windows 8. This Focusrite is a great machine. So glad I switched from a Tascam box.
1587293
The Focusrite tested with lower distortion overall than the Audio 6 (see my review; in a tear-down I found it had better DACs/ADCs; but it's doubtful you will hear the difference) The Focustrite also had higher input gain range on the mic inputs than the the Native Audio 6 but the Audio 6 is built like a tank and has more universal usable software drivers. I have not tested this version of the M track but the old one was abeschissen build. I have no knowledge of the Roland product.
1317587
Better audio, higher price. Take a look at SoundBlaster Roar. You will not regret spending a few minutes on it.
943747
There is an XLR version (connect to computer via audio interface), and a USB version, connect directly to the computer. Based on how you are going to use it, I highly recommend the XLR version. Pick up a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2, a good mike cable and mic stand all for around $300, (new)-- you'll be very happy with the results!
1750908
I think its comparable but to be honest its not a good mic. I think it's either refurbished or a cheap fake. People complained about squealing when set anywhere above 4--5 using it below those settings makes it a useless purchase. I'm shopping for a replacement.
1663141
I use Senn PC360 and have noticed a difference when gaming and recording with Audacity, escpecially in the analog mic input. Using lossless audio is where this card will really shine, so make sure your music library is encoded with ALAC or FLAC, and maybe try HD Tracks for some higher-than-CD quality music!
1677807
considering i had a dinosaur of a laptop before, not sure how reliable my input is, but personally the audio system on it is great! with the right set of headphones, you only need about 4 bars of volume to tune out most loud noises. the speakers are pretty loud, too.
1419038
What are you using this for? Mixers are for live performance, not the best way to record. The Alpha is a good VALUE but not the best, You buy this because it is 1/2 the price of the Persons or Focusrite interface
1587292
I advise Scarlett 2i4 if you need 2 separate outputs for DJing, NI does the same but I had glitches on this soundcard.Roland is decent choice for sure, had good experience with M-Audio too.
1840255
ABSOLUTELY. Anytime you get a dedicated card the overall quality will be a TON better. The amount of customization and power that a dedicated card will run to your speakers will be awesome. I'm not sure how it compares to headphones, but I noticed a huge jump in quality and of course the equalizer alone let me tune everything to have very epic bass and no distortion.
649217
Id go with the focusrite pro 40. Decent and is about as cheap as it goes for 8 inputs. Comes with some version of USB wire, though im not sure if its the standard one. With 8 channels the speed to harddrive has gotta be fast...Otherwise their is a Motu one that is slightly more and very comparable.
894377
I would give it a solid "decent". I believe I was expecting better, and looked for something else. In the course of trying more expensive Sennheiser, B&W;, Beats models, I came to feel the less than perfect isolation was way more than offset by everything else. Audio quality is fabulous and so is the design and fit and finish. Let me know how you go on this. Ed
32070
Mine came with Studio One 2. Which is an absolutely amazing DAW. I am producing sounds I got out of Pro Tools for so much less $$$. I love the AudioBox. And I really really love Studio One 2!!!! I have gotten other people trying it and they love it too. Better than Pro Tools and as easy as GarageBand. Unlimited tracks, plugins and buses. It's pretty awesome. 2 inputs for mic/guitar